Does it feel like all of your friends have jobs and you’re going on interview after interview but nothing seems to line up?  Getting frustrated, jealous and worried nothing will pan out?  I get it – we’ve all been there!  As a higher education administrator for over 12 years I have seen so many students going through these feelings of hurt, jealousy, depression, anxiety, anger and frustration during the job search process- especially right before and post graduation!  

I want you to know that no matter how happy you are for your friends, it’s OK to be upset that you haven’t landed a job.  But let me let you in on a secret… it’s not OK to sit back and throw yourself a pity party.   Being jealous of your friends’ happiness will not help you get a job after graduation. Instead, use these 6 strategies to push yourself forward to getting to the next stage in your life. 

Focus on you

Often times, we are jealous of the fact that our friends have jobs but not jealous of the position itself.   Keep your goal in mind and try not to question your path.  This is about finding the first step in your career and everyone gets to that point in a different way.  

Related post: The One Thing People Don’t Tell You About Finding Your Purpose

Use your resources

If you haven’t hit up your Career Services office for a resume and cover letter review now is the time to do it.  Ask for help to brush up on your interviewing skills.  Often times, they can even tape mock interviews and give you tips for what you might be missing.  They also have the inside scoop on new job postings or alternative sites to check out for FREE and work with alumni as well.

Related resource: Schedule your free consultation with me, a Career Coach.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Many schools give you access to alumni contact information.  Check out profiles and reach out for informational interviews.  Alumni are a great resource and want to help out current students and recent graduates.  They were once in your shoes and know exactly what you’re going through.  You can also use this method for LinkedIn profiles.

Think outside the box

Find an organization you are passionate about that aligns with your career interests and volunteer at their next event.  You never know what conversations you might strike up or what contacts you will make.  Sometimes it just takes one conversation to get your foot in the door. You can also contact someone you admire on social media and ask to connect.  You would be surprised how many people will get back to you and be open to a 15-minute phone call.

Dig deeper to get a job

Whether or not you’re stuck in an elevator, there will come a time where someone wants you to stand for in 30 seconds or less.   Take this time to craft your elevator pitch so you can flawlessly speak about your professional goals so when you’re in a situation at a volunteer event, or the awkward “tell me a little bit about yourself” question; you will have your answer ready to go.  Reaffirming and articulating what you want will give you the extra boost to confidently answer hard hitting questions.

Relive the memories  

Take this opportunity to reminisce with friends about your college memories, then take down the photos that you wouldn’t want your mom to see and remove posts that could be controversial.  Employers do their research to get to know you a little better and you want to keep a professional online presence.   You also want to go into the interview with a clean slate and avoid any preconceived opinions about you based on your profiles.

Going through the job search process is not easy.  It can be a stressful time but don’t give up, think outside the box and know what you stand for.  You are not in this alone and reach out to the free resources that your campus offers and get more involved in your community. Small changes can make a big difference and can lead to your first full time position.

 What is one “out of the box” strategy you have used that landed you an interview?

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Alissa Carpenter

Workplace Communication Speaker and Trainer at Everything's Not OK and That's OK

Alissa Carpenter is the Owner of Everything’s Not Ok and That’s Ok, author of How to Listen and How to Be Heard: Inclusive Conversations at Work, TEDx speaker, and host of Humanize Your Workplace.She works directly with organizations to bridge communication gaps across generations, job functions, and geography and has worked with non-profits to multi-billion-dollar enterprises.She has an MEd in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education, is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and is certified in the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type Indicator.Alissa has been featured on ABC, CBS, NPR, FOX, Forbes, and quoted in multiple media outlets including CNN Money and Fast Company.

Latest posts by Alissa Carpenter (see all)

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